Albany, NY — Assemblywoman Marianne Buttenschon (D-119) today expressed deep disappointment following Governor Kathy Hochul’s decision to veto three widely supported bills that she proudly co-sponsored, legislation that would have supported the mental health of law enforcement officers, strengthened EMS service providers, and launched the “Recovery Ready Workplace” initiative. “Supporting our law enforcement, first responders, and those in addiction recovery have always been priorities,” said Assemblywoman Buttenschon. “While I respect the difficult decisions that come before the Governor, I stand by the intent and urgency of each of these proposals and remain committed to revisiting these issues with renewed determination.”
The following bills were vetoed on December 19th, 2025:
(A.6452-B) Establishing a Critical Incident Leave Policy for the New York State Police
Purpose:
This bill sought to establish a uniform policy for paid leave for members of the state police directly involved in a critical incident, in which a justified use of force resulted in the serious injury or death of another person.
Impact:
This legislation serves to recognize the humanity of our State Police Officers who valiantly serve the people of this great state, and provides these individuals the essential time they deserve to fully address and respond to any personal issues or mental health concerns that may result following a critical incident.
Buttenschon’s Response:
“Behind every badge is a human being carrying a weight most of us will never fully understand. We must give our officers the tools they need to care for themselves. This bill represents our commitment to treat mental wellness with the same seriousness as physical safety, and I will continue to work with advocates to ensure this mission remains paramount.”
(A.2177-A) Removing EMS Service Provider’s Expenditures from the Limit on Real Property Tax Levies
Purpose:
This legislation would have removed emergency medical services from the real property tax cap for local municipalities in order to further support local EMS services.
Impact:
Empowers local municipalities to expand EMS resources, services, and capabilities.
Buttenschon’s Response:
“Faced with staffing and financial pressures, our EMS service providers are
working tirelessly to continue serving our communities. Removing the tax cap is a means of supporting these organizations, ensuring that they have the resources they need, and allowing them to continue their lifesaving missions.”
(A.521) Establishing the “Recovery Ready Workplace” Initiative
Purpose:
The Recovery Ready Workplace Act aims to provide voluntary certification programs for employers, offering outreach, training, and certification to help prevent substance misuse, provide pathways to treatment and recovery for struggling workers, and create employment opportunities for people in recovery.
Impact:
Initiated in areas across the country, RRW initiatives have proven themselves successful in returning purpose, routine, self-sufficiency and the ability to grow to those in addiction recovery. RRW program employer participants have also witnessed reduced absenteeism, healthier work environments, greater productivity, lower healthcare costs, improved workplace safety, better employee retention, and reduced recruitment costs.
Buttenschon’s Response:
“While re-entering the workforce is a stressful experience, it is a significantly
important step in one’s addiction recovery. This voluntary program would allow businesses to help be a part of the solution to the opioid crisis, empowering those in recovery to continue their treatment journeys and continue the path of their future betterment.”
Assemblywoman Buttenschon emphasized that each of these bills garnered significant bipartisan support and while vetoed, she remains committed to working with her colleagues and advocacy groups to reintroduce and refine these proposals during the next legislative session. “These vetoes do not mark the end of the road, they mark a renewed commitment,” she said. “I will continue to champion policies that reflect the priorities and values of the Mohawk Valley.”
About Assemblywoman Marianne Buttenschon
Assemblywoman Marianne Buttenschon proudly represents New York’s 119th Assembly District, encompassing the cities of Utica and Rome as well as surrounding towns in Oneida County. A lifelong educator and former Dean of Public Service and Emergency Preparedness at Mohawk Valley Community College, she brings decades of experience advocating for equity, access, and opportunity across public health, education, and emergency services.
In the Assembly, she serves as Chair of the Committee on Small Business and as a member of the Agriculture, Education, Higher Education, and Veterans’ Affairs Committees, where she champions bipartisan solutions to improve quality of life. Her work reflects a steadfast commitment to ensuring that every family in her district and beyond can live with dignity, support, and a voice in their future.
